FPCs gather to prepare for three days of meetings with federal lawmakers

Illinois REALTORS® who serve as FPCs gather in Washington, D.C., for a meeting in advance of sessions with federal lawmakers on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Illinois REALTORS® Federal Political Coordinators met Tuesday in Washington, D.C., in advance of meetings with members of Illinois Congressional delegation.

The FPCs play a key role in making sure policy issues and goals are communicated to federal lawmakers, and each year in May they set up meetings with all 20 of the state’s representatives and senators.

“This is a good chance for us to stay on top of the issues and to let legislators know how the end result of policies will affect their constituents,” said Pat McCarthy, who serves as an FPC for U.S. Rep. Darin Lahood.

The round of visits begins Tuesday afternoon with a meeting with Illinois Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin. The meetings continue with U.S. House members on Wednesday and Thursday.

FPCs have also been participating in several Let’s Talk Real Estate events held in elected officials’ districts. The events allow REALTOR® members to hear first-hand about how lawmakers view issues affecting the real estate industry.

The meetings also allow Illinois REALTORS® to ask questions and share the latest market data with those attending.